Skin Cancer Overview: What Is Skin Cancer?

Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer, with more than 5 million new cases diagnosed each year in the United States. It is characterized by the abnormal and continuous growth of skin cells, usually developing on skin exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds. However, it can also occur in areas not ordinarily exposed to sunlight. There are several types, each with unique traits, risk factors, and outcomes.

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Main Types of Skin Cancer

Skin cancers are primarily divided into melanoma and nonmelanoma skin malignancies. While melanoma is rare, accounting for 1% of all skin cancers, it causes over 80% of skin cancer deaths. On the other hand, nonmelanoma skin cancers like basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are more common.

1. Melanoma

• Melanoma: Melanoma is characterized by the uncontrolled growth of melanocytes, cells that produce melanin (pigment) in the skin. This aggressive disease can be classified into different clinical subtypes that differ in presentation, demographics, and molecular profile. Based on appearance and growth, there are six types of cutaneous melanoma: Superficial spreading melanoma, Nodular melanoma, Acral-lentiginous melanoma, Lentigo maligna melanoma, Amelanotic melanoma, and Desmoplastic melanoma. Notably, superficial spreading melanoma(SSM) represents approximately 70% of all melanomas. This form of skin cancer can be found on all body surfaces, especially the trunk of males. Additionally, melanoma can be found in other parts of the body that produce melanocytes, including the eye and mucosal surfaces.

2. Nonmelanoma Skin Cancers

These include cancers that originate from keratinocytes, the main cell type found in the outermost layer of the skin (epidermis).

• Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin cancer, characterized by the uncontrolled growth of cells in the basal layer of the epidermis. It appears as a flesh-colored, pearly bump or pinkish patch. Typically develops in sun-exposed areas and grows slowly; rarely spreads, but can cause disfigurement if untreated.
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): The second most common form of skin cancer. It appears as a red, firm bump, scaly patch, or sore that heals and then reopens. It is also related to frequent sun exposure.
• Actinic Keratosis: Also known as senile keratoses or solar keratoses, actinic keratosis is a precancerous lesion that may progress to squamous cell carcinoma and is often associated with chronic sun exposure. Individuals with actinic keratosis may present with irregular, red, scaly papules or plaques on sun-exposed regions of the body.
• Merkel Cell Carcinoma: Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC) is a rare but aggressive type of skin cancer that’s becoming more common. It usually appears on the head or neck of older white men. It typically presents as a fast-growing, painless, firm bump that is red or purple in color, often on sun-exposed skin. It is often associated with a virus called polyomavirus.
• Cutaneous Lymphoma: Cutaneous Lymphomas are a group of non-Hodgkin lymphomas that start in the skin. They can come from either T-cells, natural killer cells, or B-cells, and are diagnosed when there is no sign of disease outside the skin.
• Kaposi Sarcoma: Often occurring in patients with immunosuppression or HIV, Kaposi sarcoma is a rare type of skin cancer that manifests as purple or red lesions on the skin. It is caused by infection with human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8), a virus that disrupts normal cell functions, leading to cancer development.
• Sebaceous Gland Carcinoma: A rare type that originates in the sebaceous glands and manifests initially as a painless, flesh-colored papule, which may later exhibit a yellow coloration. It is an aggressive epithelial malignancy predominant in the head and neck region. There are two categories of sebaceous carcinoma: periocular and extraocular. The former accounts for 75% of cases, primarily affects the eyelid, and exhibits a higher metastatic potential.

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Skin Cancer Trends: Incidence, Outcomes, and Health Disparities

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, with about 1 in 5 Americans expected to develop it during their lifetime. The rates are rising steadily. Between 1976 and 2010, cases of basal cell carcinoma increased by 145%, and squamous cell carcinoma by an even greater 263%. On a global scale, as reported from 2022 data, non-melanoma skin cancer ranks as the 5th most common cancer, while melanoma comes in at 17th. The good news is that when detected early, nonmelanoma skin cancers have survival rates of over 95% to100%. However, survival drops sharply when melanoma or other skin cancers are diagnosed at a later stage.

Key Skin Cancer Statistics in the U.S., 2025

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Health Disparities

Melanoma is more common in non-Hispanic white people and those with higher incomes. However, Black and Hispanic individuals, people with lower socioeconomic status, and older adults are more likely to be diagnosed at a later stage or have worse outcomes.

For example, the 5-year survival rate for melanoma is 74.1% for Black patients, compared to 92.9% for white patients. Furthermore, Black and Hispanic individuals are often diagnosed with more aggressive types of melanoma, including acral and mucosal melanoma. Nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is rare in Black individuals, with only about 3.4 cases per 100,000 people, but when it does occur, it is often more aggressive or found at a later stage.

People with less education tend to get screened for skin cancer less often and may not understand their risk. This is also true for ethnic minorities, older adults, and people with lower incomes. Not having health insurance and being older can also lead to worse skin cancer outcomes. Similarly, regions with limited access to dermatologists (rural areas and minority-majority counties) experience higher rates of late diagnosis and worse outcomes.

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Skin Cancer Prevention & Risk Factors

Prevention

• Limit UV Exposure: Avoid direct, prolonged sunlight and use broad-spectrum sunscreen SPF30+, protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses.
• Avoid Tanning Beds: Indoor tanning is a major risk factor.
• Routine Skin Checks: Monthly self-exams and annual professional checks help catch issues early.

Risk Factors

• History of sunburns or excessive sun exposure
• Fair skin, light hair, light eyes (but all skin types are at risk)
• Family or personal history of skin cancer
• Weakened immune system
• Large or atypical moles
• Age (risk increases with age, but skin cancer can occur in younger people as well)
• Genetics

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Skin Cancer Symptoms, Screening, and Early Detection

Signs and Symptoms

Melanoma

• Typically presents as a pigmented skin lesion (mole) that has changed in size, shape, or color.
• Most Common Sites: trunk in men, legs in women.
• Other Melanoma Types and Their Features:
  • Nodular Melanoma: Firm, symmetrical, quickly growing papules or nodules, may ulcerate/bleed.
  • Lentigo Maligna: Slow-growing, pigmented macule, seen in older adults.
  • Acral Lentiginous: Occurs on palms, soles, under nails; may appear as a dark streak.
  • Amelanotic Melanoma: Non-pigmented, can mimic other subtypes or benign lesions.

Other warning signs include asymmetry, irregular border, color variation, diameter >6mm, and evolving appearance of moles or skin lesions. Also, itching, bleeding, ulceration, or changes in existing moles or skin lesions.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)

• Usually occurs on sun-exposed areas (face, scalp, ears, neck, upper limbs).
• Presents as an indurated (firm), nodular, crusted lesion or as a non-crusting ulcer.
• In Situ SCC (Bowen’s Disease): Erythematous, scaly plaques with defined margins.
• Other Signs: Persistent, enlarging, keratinized/crusted lesions >1cm over 8 weeks.

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)

• Common Sites: Head, neck, trunk, limbs.
• Several Presentations:
  • Nodular BCC: Pearly pink/white papules or nodules with telangiectasia, may ulcerate.
  • Superficial BCC: Erythematous, well-demarcated, scaly plaques.
  • Morphoeic BCC: Waxy, scar-like lesions, often on the face.
  • Pigmented BCC: Brown, blue, or greyish lesions resembling melanoma.
  • Baso-Squamous: Mixed features, can be more aggressive.
• Warning Signs: Non-healing sores, enlarging spots/bumps, unusual color/appearance.

Screening for Skin Cancer

• Population Screening: No worldwide evidence supports routine skin cancer screening for the general population.
• High-Risk Groups: Guidelines recommend screening for those with:
  • Strong family/personal history of skin cancer.
  • Numerous or atypical moles (e.g., >100 normal moles, multiple atypical moles, congenital pigmented naevi).
  • Fair skin, immunosuppression, history of intense UV exposure.

Skin Cancer Early Detection

• Patient Education: Learn about UV risks and perform regular skin self-exams for new or changing lesions.
• Primary Care Assessment: Use naked-eye examination and structured tools.
  • Weighted Glasgow 7-Point Checklist (used in the UK).
  • ABCDE Mnemonic (Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter, Evolution—used in North America).
• How Often Should You Get a Skin Check?
  • The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) and American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommend that melanoma survivors have skin exams "every 6 to 12 months for the first 1-2 years, then annually," depending on individual risk factors.
  • The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends that "adults see a dermatologist at least once a year for a full-body skin exam" to catch skin cancer early, when it is most treatable.

Some emerging technologies for skin cancer early detection include dermoscopy and teledermatology. AI-supported systems are under evaluation but currently lack robust evidence for widespread use in primary care.

Recognizing suspicious skin changes early and using structured assessment protocols are key to improving outcomes for all skin cancers. Regular skin checks, targeted screening in high-risk groups, and prompt referral of concerning lesions form the backbone of effective early detection.

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Skin Cancer Mythbusting

• Myth: “Dark skin does not get skin cancer.”
  • Fact: All skin types can develop skin cancer; people of color often get diagnosed later, with poorer outcomes.
• Myth: “Skin cancer only appears on sun-exposed areas.”
  • Fact: Skin cancer can form on any part of the body, including palms, soles, and under nails, especially in people of color.
• Myth: “Only sun exposure causes skin cancer.”
  • Fact: Tanning beds and inherited factors contribute as well.
• Myth: “A tan is healthy.”
  • Fact: Any tan is a sign of skin damage.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Skin Cancer

• What Are The Early Warning Signs Of Skin Cancer?
  • Changes in skin spots, new growths, non-healing sores, and the ABCDEs of moles.
• Who is Most At Risk?
  • People with fair skin, a history of sunburns, a family history, or weakened immune systems, but anyone can get it.
• Is Skin Cancer Curable?
  • Most non-melanoma skin cancers are highly curable when caught early. Melanoma outcomes are best with prompt treatment.
• How Can I Reduce My Risk?
  • Practice sun protection, avoid tanning beds, do regular skin checks, and see a dermatologist as needed.
• Can Children Get Skin Cancer?
  • Yes, though less common, children can develop skin cancer, often linked to genetics or immune status.

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Skin Cancer Treatment Options

Skin cancer treatment approach can vary depending on the type, size, location, and stage of the disease.

• Surgical Excision: Removal of the cancer and some healthy tissue around it.
• Mohs Surgery: A specialized surgical technique used to treat skin cancer by precisely removing cancerous tissue layer by layer, while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues.
• Cryotherapy: A procedure that uses extreme cold (liquid nitrogen) to remove small superficial skin tumors.
• Radiation Therapy: It is often used when surgery is not an option, such as in cases where the cancer is located in a sensitive area or when a patient is not fit for surgery. Radiation therapy can also be used after surgery to help prevent the cancer from returning.
• Topical Treatments: Medicines applied directly to the skin. For example, Imiquimod 5% and 5-fluorouracil 5% cream are currently FDA-approved to treat small superficial BCCs.
• Immunotherapy and Targeted Therapy: Advanced options mainly for melanoma or more aggressive cases.

For most basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers that are found early, surgery is the main treatment. This can include regular surgical removal or Mohs surgery, both of which offer high cure rates and low chances of cancer recurrence.

If the cancer has spread or is more advanced, especially in melanoma, treatment may include targeted medications like BRAF Inhibitors (BRAF/MEK Inhibitors) or immunotherapies, including checkpoint inhibitors. These treatments have greatly improved the outlook for people with advanced skin cancer in recent years.

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Ask an Expert

Do you have more questions related to skin cancer? Send us your question, and our team of skin cancer specialists will provide you with expert answers.

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Share Your Story

Have you or a loved one experienced skin cancer? Share your story here to help raise awareness, support others, and build a strong patient community.

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More Resources

• Melanoma Monday

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References

• American Cancer Society. (2025, February 25). Signs and symptoms of melanoma skin cancer. American Cancer Society. Retrieved July 30, 2025, from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/melanoma‑skin‑cancer/detection‑diagnosis‑staging/signs‑and‑symptoms.html
• Henrikson NB, Ivlev I, Blasi PR, et al. Screening for Skin Cancer: An Evidence Update for the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force [Internet]. Rockville (MD): Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (US); 2023 Apr. (Evidence Synthesis, No. 225.) Appendix B, Recommendations of Others. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK591454/
• Jones, O. T., Ranmuthu, C. K. I., Hall, P. N., Funston, G., & Walter, F. M. (2020). Recognising Skin Cancer in Primary Care. Advances in therapy, 37(1), 603–616. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12325-019-01130-1 Lacy, K., & Alwan, W. (2013). Skin cancer. Medicine, 41(7), 402–405. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mpmed.2013.04.008
• Siegel, R. L., Kratzer, T. B., Giaquinto, A. N., Sung, H., & Jemal, A. (2025). Cancer statistics, 2025. CA: a cancer journal for clinicians, 75(1), 10–45. https://doi.org/10.3322/caac.21871
• Sol, S., Boncimino, F., Todorova, K., Waszyn, S. E., & Mandinova, A. (2024). Therapeutic Approaches for Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer: Standard of Care and Emerging Modalities. International journal of molecular sciences, 25(13), 7056. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25137056
• Carter, E., & Rasel, F. M. (2024). Identifying types of skin cancer, risk factors, and effective treatment. International Journal of Advanced Engineering Technologies and Innovations, 10(2), 79. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/385721803_Identifying_types_of_skin_cancer_risk_factors_and_effective_treatments
• American Academy of Dermatology. (2025, February 5). Skin cancer statistics. American Academy of Dermatology. Retrieved July 30, 2025, from https://www.aad.org/media/stats-skin-cancer

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Medical Reviewer

Daniel Wang, M.D.

Dr. Daniel Wang is an Associate Professor in the Department of Internal Medicine at UT Southwestern Medical Center. He is the Co-Leader of the Melanoma/Sarcoma Disease-Oriented Team and specializes in treating patients with melanoma, advanced skin cancers, and soft tissue and bone sarcomas